Congo Court Upholds 82-Year-Old Leader’s Fifth Presidential Term Victory

The Republic of Congo's constitutional court has validated President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso's overwhelming election victory, securing him a fifth term in office at age 82. The court rejected appeals from challengers who disputed the results showing Sassou-N'Guesso won nearly 95% of the vote.

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) — Congo’s highest court has officially validated the presidential election victory of 82-year-old Denis Sassou-N’Guesso on Saturday, securing his fifth term in office after capturing 94.90% of votes cast.

Constitutional Court President Auguste Iloki announced the final results during a hearing, stating: “The president Denis Sassou-N’Guesso is elected with 94.90% of the vote, representing an absolute majority.”

The official tally showed a slight increase from preliminary figures released March 17 by Interior Minister Raymond Zephirin Mboulou, which had given Sassou-N’Guesso 94.82% of ballots.

Seven candidates total competed for leadership of the Central African nation, which holds some of sub-Saharan Africa’s most substantial oil reserves.

Following last week’s preliminary announcement, two opposition candidates disputed the outcome. Challenger Uphrem Mafoula had petitioned the constitutional court to void the entire election, but judges dismissed his appeal on Saturday.

This victory continues a pattern across Africa where leaders in their 80s maintain their grip on power. Among African presidents, only Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo have served longer than Sassou N’Guesso.

The Congolese Party of Labor candidate initially assumed power in 1979, governing until 1992 when he conducted the nation’s inaugural multi-party democratic vote. Following a brief civil conflict lasting four months in 1997, he regained control as head of armed forces.

During the recent campaign, a stark disparity emerged between Sassou N’Guesso and his rivals, as the sitting president was the sole candidate conducting nationwide campaign tours. Throughout Brazzaville, the capital, streets were lined with the incumbent’s campaign imagery.

Electoral participation was reduced when two significant opposition parties refused to participate, citing concerns over biased election procedures.

Presidential age restrictions and term limits were eliminated through a 2015 constitutional amendment, enabling N’Guesso’s continued candidacy.

The nation faces severe economic challenges, with foreign debt reaching 94.5% of gross domestic product according to World Bank data, while youth unemployment continues climbing. Poverty affects more than half of Congo’s 5.7 million citizens, and nearly half the population is younger than 18.